June 2023

Welcome to Teaching and Learning TODAY. We encourage you to monitor this newsletter regularly and respond to those areas that interest you. We facilitate the development of professional learning by members, for members and are grateful for the opportunity to do so. Allow us to assist you to learn, grow professionally, and impact others.

As you wind down the school year, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and fun summer!

Updates from Teaching & Learning

VEA Learning Portal

As we prepare for a break from school, check out the member-created course Educator Self-Care: Investing in Yourself to Sustain Your Profession & Passion, developed by Krishawna Goins, an educator in Loudoun, Virginia. Those in education constantly wear several hats at a time and are always being all things to all people. This module is all about how to take that weight off and invest in yourself through thoughtful, deliberate, and consistent acts of self-care. In this session, you will reflect on your journey and needs as an individual, learn the value of self-care and gain strategies to combat educator burnout and create your own personalized plan for how you will practice self-care. You will use a digital participant self-care journal to keep your reflections and plan in a way that is organized and accessible to you at any time.

To see this course and more, check out the VEA Learning Portal! Access the VEA Learning Portal HERE. Feel free to bookmark this link.

If you have any trouble getting into the portal, please reach out to either Dr. Amber Brown, abrown@veanea.org, or Isabel Sullivan, isullivan@veanea.org.

Access the VEA Learning Portal HERE

SVEA Aspiring Educators

Early enrollment is open for first-time Aspiring Educators to join early for the upcoming 2023-2024 membership year. Membership will start September 1, but liability coverage and access to NEA Member Benefits start the day you join. This is a great opportunity for students who will begin their student teaching assignments before September 1^st. Click here to join and choose the “Next Membership Year” option.

Current Aspiring Educators may renew their membership for the upcoming year too.

Ever wonder how you can make your resume and cover letter stand out? Check out this article from Edutopia! You can read it HERE.

Join Here

Special Education Evaluations: Using a Trauma-informed Approach when assessing student needs

The Virginia Department of Education is offering five, half-day, in-person regional training events this spring and summer focused on special education evaluations using a trauma lens and engaging families in the special education process. Attendees will view a recorded presentation by Dr. Eric Rossen and Dr. Katie Eklund offering guidance and considerations for special education evaluations, using a trauma-informed lens. The training will also include an activity and discussion of current practices in Virginia.

This training is free and open to school psychologists and school social workers employed by Virginia Public Schools. Registration is required. Registered attendees will receive a copy of Dr. Rossen’s and Dr. David Bateman’s book, Creating Trauma-Informed Individualized Education Programs.

The Regional Training Event Flyer contains more information and registration links!

May 22, 2023: 9 a.m.- noon (Southwest Higher Education Center, Abingdon)
May 31, 2023: 12:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. (Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg)
June 12, 2023: 9 a.m.- noon (Richmond Marriott)
June 27, 2023: 9 a.m.- noon (Virginia Tech Conference Center, Blacksburg)
July 31, 2023: 9 a.m.- noon (Newport News Marriott at City Center)

From VCASE, check out updates from the Family and Engagement Office HERE.

Upcoming Opportunities

Attention Local Presidents - Early Leadership Institute

Get Ready for EPIC!

Want to help members with the Praxis?

2023 MERC SUMMIT

Bring the Trauma Workshop to your Local!

Whether you are a new candidate for National Board Certification or a current NBCT ready to maintain your certification, you will not want to miss our Jump Start event this summer. At this hands-on workshop, NBCT facilitators guide candidates through unpacking their National Board Standards and component instructions. Participants gain strategies for tackling the certification process and leave Jump Start with a deeper understanding of the National Board fundamentals and a plan for achieving or maintaining their certification. Jump Start is available to both members and non-members. Read on for more information.

For Candidates Pursuing Initial National Board Certification: This multi-day workshop meets Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. On Friday, candidates will enjoy networking with current NBCTs and hearing from a special guest during lunch. Lodging is available upon request. Click here to learn more and register. Registration closes June 30.

For NBCTs beginning the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Process: This full-day workshop meets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14. A continental breakfast will be provided, and NBCTs will network with candidates over lunch. Lodging is available upon request. Please note that the MOC process must be completed in one year during one of the final two years of the certificate’s life. For NBCTs whose certificate expires in 2024, the 2023-24 cycle is the final opportunity to maintain certification. The 2023-24 cycle will be the first of two opportunities for NBCTs whose certificate expires in 2025. Click here to learn more and register for MOC Jump Start. Registration closes June 30.

Jump Start Grants Available

As VEA works to increase the number and diversity of NBCTs in Virginia, we are finding ways to support candidates and break down barriers to access.

VEA Teaching & Learning is offering a limited number of grants to qualified applicants to cover the registration and lodging costs of attending Jump Start this summer. Applicants must be current VEA members in good standing, must meet candidate eligibility criteria set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and must commit to completing at least one component as a National Board candidate in the 2023-2024 school year. For more information and to apply for a grant, click here. Grant applications are due by June 1.

At a time when school librarians are caught in the political crosshairs, let’s celebrate all they do for our students. From NEA News, In Appreciation of School Librarians.

Who's Who in Teaching and Learning

The work of the Department of Teaching and Learning extends out of headquarters and works directly with members. This month, we will be featuring one of our Retirees:

Name: Amy Lamb

Local: Retired

Role(s) that you have completed with VEA:
Local President, Trainer, Course Writer, Member of Fitz Turner Commission, Member of the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Commission, Member of the Resolutions Committee, USAC member, Legislative Committee Member

# of years in education: 34

# of years in VEA: 31

How has being a union member helped you?

Being a union member has offered me opportunities to develop leadership skills. VEA has provided me with experiences to grow as a teacher leader. It has opened doors to allow me to network and cultivate both professional connections and deep friendships with other members across the state. Additionally, by VEA has offered me training in topics I am deeply passionate about to bring positive changes to my classroom, school, and my division.

If you could give 1 piece of advice to someone in education, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to someone in education, it would be to connect with fellow VEA members. Within VEA, you will find mentors, leaders, social justice advocates, and committed teacher leaders who want fair working environments and optimal learning conditions for their students. VEA will offer you a safe harbor so that you know you are not alone in advocating for your students.

The Latest from VEA

Teaching & Learning Today: June 2023